Congratulations to Dr. Norah Patten, Commercial Manager at Réaltra Space Systems Engineering (a subsidiary of our member company Realtime Technologies Ltd), who is set to become Ireland’s first astronaut!

Dr. Patten, originally from Co. Mayo and now based in Dublin, will join an all-woman research team aboard Virgin Galactic’s new Delta spacecraft in 2026. This mission, led by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), aims to advance biomedical and fluids research in sub-orbital space.

Her journey from a childhood visit to NASA to becoming a pioneer in space research showcases the power of dedication and hard work.
Stay tuned for updates as we celebrate this monumental achievement and follow Dr. Patten’s preparations for her historic spaceflight!